Anna Melba Lauraine Bramer

July 9, 2013

OSCEOLA, Wis. - Anna Melba Lauraine Bramer, 98, of Escanaba, was born May 7, 1915 in Mass, Mich., to William and Senja Hill and died on July 5, 2013 in Osceola, Wis.

Melba graduated from Wakefield High School in 1938 and was a member of the National Honor Society. Melba graduated from Northern Teacher's College, Marquette, Mich., in 1938 and earned an MA degree in 1962. She taught in Nahma, Rapid River, Pontiac and Manistique.

In 1940 Melba married her college beau, Llewellyn (Lew) Bramer. In 1969 The Bramers retired and began to spend winters in Indio, Calif., and summers at their home near Isabella. While in California Melba enjoyed substitute teaching and volunteer work.

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Anna Melba Lauraine Bramer

Melba's husband, Lew, died in 1989. Melba then came to live in Escanaba and joined Christ the King Lutheran Church. She served on the church council, was a delegate to Synod meetings, participated in the afternoon Bible study group, WELCA, and the church quilting group. She also enjoyed being a volunteer receptionist at Bonifas Art Center and helped out at the Bay College library and the Escanaba Public Library's book sales. The Bramers were also members of the Foundation Club at Bay College.

Melba is survived by one brother, Peter (Martha) Hill of Osceola, Wis. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Carol Hill of Sturgis, S.D., Leona Hill of Wakefield, Mich., Carmela Hill of Lansing, Mich., and beloved foster daughter, Darlene (Wm.) Domowicz of Gwinn, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Rev. Jack Hill, Richard Hill, Raymond Hill, Rev. William Hill; and one sister, Margaret Hill.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 11, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Melba Bramer will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Hill officiating.

Burial will take place at Gardens of Rest Cemetery following the service. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services at the Christ the King Lutheran Church fellowship hall. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.